English Suite, Partita / Gustav Leonhardt
I think some people may prefer these to the French Suites. The English Suite has a prelude at the beginning of each piece. The partitas start with a prelude, a sinfonia, a fantasia, an overture or others, depending on the piece. I remember being impressed by the Sinfonia of Partita No. 2 when I first heard it in the chorus of “The Swingle Singers” when I was young. Talking about Leonhardt’s performance, the sound of the harpsichord is nothing short of beautiful. The modern harpsichord by Helmut Walcha, for example, is far inferior. But for the sake of Walcha’s honor, I would like to mention that his “The Well-Tempered Clavier Complete”, which he played with his original instrument in his later years, is very good. #baroque #bach #片山俊幸
